THERE are no facilities in the Meirionnydd area of south Gwynedd for young offenders, aged under 18, to carry out unpaid work in their communities, it has emerged.

Magistrates sitting at Dolgellau youth court last Monday asked Youth Offending Team official Gwyn Owen to prepare a fast delivery report on a 17-year-old who pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour by shouting at police officers, and criminal damage at a Dolgellau police cell.

Mr Owen said the youth had been on previous referral and rehabilitation orders and had responded well to advice and guidance by the Gwynedd and Môn Youth Offending team members.

“The suggestion by the court for unpaid community work to be considered is not available to be supervised by the youth offending team in this area,” said Mr Owen.

“Defendants placed on community orders with an unpaid work element would have to be carried out by the adult supervising team and the defendant would mix with adult offenders,” he added.

He went on to say that the defendant had been assisted by the youth offending team after the defendant had said that he was eager to join the army.

But the 17-year-old failed an army medical because of an old injury to his ankle.

Defending, solicitor Deborah Tennant-Davies said: “My client needs the help and support of the youth offending team as shown in the past.

“Supervision and guidance is paramount.

“Mixing with older criminals would not be beneficial,” she added.

She suggested a community rehabilitation order should be made.

The youth had become aggressive towards the police and had caused minor damage to a police cell, the court heard.

Magistrates chairman Alwyn Lloyd Edwards imposed a sentence of 80 hours community service, 40 for each offence with court costs of £50.

The youth must also pay £10 compensation to the police.

“We have made comments on the lack of such facilities in this area in the past.